Potty Training | That Bald Chick

Potty Training Kits from Potty Tots

November 8, 2011 By Virginia 12 Comments

Have you ever had something completely fall off your radar? Last YEAR I received the award winning Potty Training Kit for Boys from Potty Tots. It was my intention to write the review for it right away… as I just knew it would be the turning point in potty training Mister. He had been showing signs of readiness for potty training…

He was staying dry for hours at a time, including overnight.
He was curious about the bathroom, and what we were doing in there.
He was typically aware of when he needed to go.
His bowel habits were consistent.

Apparently, however, my then 33 month old son had different ideas about potty training. He decided he wasn’t ready. His body was ready. But HE wasn’t ready. We had watched the DVD, that comes with the training kit, at least thirty times. We had the potty chart poster on the wall, as well as the reward game with the cool football clings. We were following the tips on the parent page of the website. We were doing everything right. Or so it seemed. We were praising him, and rewarding him, when he went on the potty.

He just wasn’t ready. Sister wasn’t potty training, and I guess he figured if she didn’t have to go on the toilet, neither did he.

Then, in April it happened. One day, Mister asked if I would teach him how to read.

At that particular, I was extremely frustrated. I had just changed what felt like the hundredth diaper of the day, and it was a particularly nasty Mister poopy diaper. So, when he asked me about teaching him to read, I said the only thing that came to mind… “Reading is for big boys. When you decide you want to BE a big boy, and go potty on the toilet, Mommy will teach you how to read.”

Within two weeks, he was completely toilet trained. He would run through the house, saying the steps of the Potty Chart. Of course he had it memorized. We had watched the video a thousand times and walked through the steps on the chart at least that many. He KNEW what to do. It was just a matter of him choosing to do it. And apparently, learning to read was his “currency.” You see, I had been rewarding him with stickers, small toys, candy, etc. But, since he didn’t really care about those things, they weren’t really motivating him to toilet train. Learning to read, though, was another story. He wanted that. It mattered to him. So, he would do whatever it took to get there. And if going on the potty was the key to learning to read, he considered it done. I am certain that had I been able to figure out his currency sooner, he would have potty trained much earlier.

By the time he had decided to toilet train, I had completely forgotten about the review. Today, as I was helping Sister wash her hands after going potty, she looked at the potty chart (which is still hanging on the wall) and said “step 1…” When she did, it dawned on me that I didn’t recall ever posting my review of the Potty Tots product. So, I came out, did a site search, and sure enough, it came up empty. I AM SUCH A JERK!

I made the mistake a few months ago, when Sister was about 75% potty trained, of switching her to big girl undies on MY SCHEDULE. Well, she didn’t like them. In fact, she took them off and threw them in the trash. And flat out refused to go potty on the toilet. She has shown zero interest in potty training since the “big girl panties” incident. That is, until this weekend. Now that Sister is starting to show interest in potty training again, I plan to start playing the DVD again while I try to figure out HER currency! Of course, I have the Potty Tots DVD memorized, “I can do it all by myself, but sometimes I need a little help… My potty chart it shows me how, and I can go to the potty now…” Fortunately, it is a cute DVD, and I don’t mind watching it another thousand times.

I would definitely recommend Potty Tots Training Kits if your child is both physically AND mentally ready for potty training. I only ran into trouble with potty training Mister because in his little head he was singing the ever popular Sinatra tune, “I did it MY WAY!”

Learn more about Potty Tots on their Facebook and Twitter

Filed Under: Family, Health Tagged With: Potty Training, pottytots

Myself Belts #review

November 27, 2010 By Virginia

Mister is almost three years old. With working on potty training, and his ever increasing need to be independent, I have found that I have one of two choices when it comes to his pants. I can either let them sag because he won’t let me fasten the belts that I made for him, or I can let him use his Myself Belt. We both, of course, prefer the Myself Belts approach.

We received the Sports Belt from Myself Belts for review. I love the fact that the hook and loop closure allows Mister to fasten and unfasten it all by himself. And judging from his excited shouts of “Look Mommy, I can do it!” so does he.

Myself Belts

Myself Belts was formed by two sisters, Talia Bahr Goldfarb and Danielle Bahr Eason. Talia became frustrated with her inability to find a belt that her son could use on his own, that would not impede potty training. Danielle was intrigued by Talia’s dilemma and after doing research, the two created Myself Belts.

The cool part about these belts is that it really only takes one hand to fasten and unfasten them. Mister hasn’t mastered the one handed approach, but in a pinch, when we are out and about and I am trying to stop Sister from crawling under a public restroom stall door while trying to help Mister go potty, the one handed approach has come in real handy. One hand on her, one hand to help him.

Myself Belts are a great way to promote independence in dressing and in potty training! And because it looks cool (i.e. has sports stuff on it) my little guy doesn’t mind wearing it. And it is a far cry better than having to tell him fifty thousand times a day to pull his pants up.

Myself Belts are also now available in larger sizes for teens and adults and are great for those who have dexterity issues. I can see how these belts would be great for adults who have experienced a stroke or other life altering condition that robs them of the independence they once knew. I can think of several patients from the rehab center where I used to work that would have loved these!

I think the Myself Belts are a perfect potty training aid, but I also think they would make a great gift. Why not stuff one on your little one’s stocking!

Myself Belts currently offers free shipping when you buy two or more belts.

You can purchase Myself Belts at a local retailer near you, at http://www.myselfbelts.com or on Amazon.com.Find your nearest retailer.

Follow Myself Belts on Facebook and Twitter for special savings offers and all the latest styles.

Filed Under: Reviews, Shopping Guides Tagged With: Gift Guide, Potty Training, Review

BabyLegs Review and Giveaway

August 24, 2010 By Virginia

***Please Note–This Giveaway Has ENDED. ***

Please see Winners page for winning entrant information.

Do you remember wearing leg warmers? I do. I grew up in the 80’s, so I had a few pairs. In fact, if I look real hard, I may be able to come up with a photo or two of me sporting leg warmers with jeans, with shorts, and (*gasp) even with skirts. By the mid-80’s, the leg warmer fad had virtually faded away, and I hadn’t thought much about them until Sister came along.

I couldn’t help but think how nice it would be to use some leg warmers with her. We have to keep our thermostat low, since Mister can’t sweat. And Sister often gets cold. Ahhh, to be able to wear cute clothes AND keep warm…

Baby Legs recently offered to allow me to review their products. I was excited to receive two pairs of BabyLegs leg warmers and a pair of socks. Sister was excited to wear them. She kept pointing to the orange fish on the one pair saying, “Pish.” Too cute.

<–Kaleidoscope Leg Warmers–>

<–Go Fish Leg Warmers–>

<—Baby Socks

About BabyLegs®

The BabyLegs® brand has grown from one mom’s diaper bag accessory – our signature leg warmer – to a popular children’s brand with essential child and baby products.

In April of 2005, a young mom was confronted with a diaper rash that just wouldn’t quit. The rash needed some fresh air to heal, but she was also concerned about keeping her daughter warm. In a moment of inspiration, she snipped the feet off of a pair of socks and fitted her daughter from hip to ankle with a cool set of leg warmers. These leg warmers not only kept her daughter warm, but also protected her from the elements, made diaper changing and potty training easier, and protected her soft knees while crawling. With some fun designs and some grassroots marketing support, the functional and fashionable leg warmers that began as a solution to keep little legs warm quickly became much more.

BabyLegs® leg warmers quickly became a parenting essential across the world because of their utility, practicality, and stylish appeal. Our continued desire to provide products that provide style and protection for little legs and feet eventually led us to expand into children’s hosiery with the introduction of baby socks and girls tights. In 2009, BabyLegs® was acquired by the United Legwear Company, a global manufacturer of hosiery and underwear. To learn more about United Legwear, please visit http://www.unitedlegwear.com/about-us.

I had no idea when we received the BabyLegs Legwarmers how much I would come to love them. And here is why…

BabyLegs are ABSOLUTELY PERFECT for potty training! No zippers, buttons, or snaps to worry about fiddling with when she has to go potty. The diaper (and in some cases, the pull up) is the only thing we have to worry about getting out of the way in time.

BabyLegs offers several practical and resourceful ways to keep children warm, protected and stylish.

Benefits of BabyLegs:

Makes diaper changing and potty training easier
Keeps legs warm in strollers and carriers
Protects knees from hard surfaces and rug burn
Provides lightweight sun protection in the summer months
Keep in diaper bag for a quick change when messes arise
Fashionable alternative to tights

Apparently, someone let BabyLegs know how practical they were for potty training, because they even have Potty Training Trios.

BabyLegs also wants to give one lucky Lady V dZine reader a grab bag of BabyLegs.

Mandatory entry—Become a fan of BabyLegs on FB and comment back here with your profile name. You are not required to post on their wall, but if you choose to, feel free to let them know that I sent you.

Bonus entries–

1 entry- Visit BabyLegs and comment back here with your favorite style.
1 entry- Follow BabyLegs on Twitter- comment with your user name.
1 entry- Join the BabyLegs forum- comment with the e-mail you signed up with.
1 entry- Follow me on GFC—right side bar, comment with your user name.
1 entry- Subscribe to Lady V dZine by RSS or email and comment back with the e-mail you signed up with (one each)
1 entry- Follow Lady V dZine on Twitter- comment with your user name
1 entry- Tweet this contest using @ladyvdzine and @BabyLegs- comment with your tweet status (up to 4x/day, at least 30 minutes apart)
1 entry- For each current giveaway that you enter- comment with name of giveaway
1 entry- For each non-giveaway post that you leave a RELEVANT comment on- comment back with post title or link to post
5 entries- blog this contest linking to this post and http://www.babylegs.com/- comment back here with link to your post

Have you entered my other current giveaways yet? You can earn extra entries into this contest by doing so!

Be sure to visit my Contest Rules and Bonus Entry Options for additional entry options.

The fine print…

Contest open to the US. Contest ends at 11:59 p.m. CST on 09/06/2010. Winner will be selected randomly. Winner will be notified by email and will have 72 hours to respond with mailing address. If no response is received from the winning entrant, a new winner will be selected. Prize will be forfeited and donated to charity if not claimed by primary or alternate winners.

FTC Compliant Disclosure- The marketing team for BabyLegs graciously provided me with the aforementioned product(s) to facilitate my review. No other compensation was received. All opinions are 100% my own and are based upon my experience. Your experience may differ.

Disclosure: http://cmp.ly/2/fsascc

Filed Under: Fashion, Reviews Tagged With: Clothing, Giveaways, Potty Training, Reviews, Shopping, Toddler

Boon Potty Seat from EcoMom

August 20, 2010 By Virginia

What do you do when you have two toddlers who want to potty simultaneously? Get a potty seat, of course!

We recently received the Boon Potty Bench from EcoMom for review.

When I took the Boon Potty Bench out of the box, Mister insisted on checking it over.

And sitting on it to make sure it fit.

He did let Sister sit on it for a minute.

But, once I moved it to the bathroom, he claimed it as his own, and said she had to sit on the other potty (the toilet).

I decided that giving him a roll of toilet paper in the storage compartment was perhaps NOT the best idea at this time.

About the Boon Potty Bench…

Training Toilet with Side Storage
The Potty Bench is a training potty featuring two enclosed side storage spaces for organizing potty training supplies, and a pull-out drawer for easy sanitary clean-up. Simply close the lid to use as a large, sturdy stool that supports up to 300 lbs. The sleek, modern design includes a built-in toilet paper holder and a removable soft deflector shield.
* Organizes potty training supplies
* Simplifies clean-up
* Easily converts to a bench or step stool
* Soft flexible deflector helps guard against injury
Dimensions: 19 1/2" x 12 7/8" x 7 1/8"
Recommended ages: 18+ months

The cool thing about the potty bench is the storage space on the sides. A few “tub” books fit in the storage area nicely. I also like the fact that with the lid down, it doubles as a bench. I confess, I have sat on it while shampooing the kids hair in the tub, and it supported me. I also love the little pee guard. Comes in REAL handy when training a boy!

I certainly recommend the Boon Potty Bench to any parent embarking on the potty training path.

About EcoMom

Founded to address the connection between the health of our environment and the health of our children, EcoMom is committed to making eco-conscious living easy, affordable, and rewarding. By helping women begin to take better care of themselves and their families – with education, support, tools and products – we empower them to take the all important first steps toward a healthier, more balanced, and sustainable lifestyle.

EcoMom.com is about bridging the gap between making healthy choices and making easy choices. We created EcoMom because we care and are concerned for babies and their moms, our families and our communities. We want every mom to be an EcoMom because being an EcoMom means making choices that are good for all of us, and the planet which we all share.

Originally launched by a passionate and concerned mother, EcoMom.com has become a team of moms, dads, aunts, uncles, e-commerce veterans, business and finance professionals committed to making healthy decisions for our children and planet as easy, practical and affordable as possible.

Did you know that EcoMom offers an EcoPass? The EcoPass is an annual membership which provides for a 15% discount on every order, as well as free shipping with NO $75 minimum requirement. The EcoPass is $99. Monday through Friday, you can also shop the Daily Deal at 10:30 PST. What’s the Daily Deal, you ask? It is one item at one incredibly low price for one day. When they are gone, they are gone. EcoPass members get VIP access to the Daily Deal at 9 a.m. PST.

EcoMom is offering 20% off for new customers when you use coupon code NC20.

By the way, the Boon Potty Bench is just $34.99 and qualifies for free shipping!

EcoMom is also currently running a contest in which you can win a $200 EcoMom Shopping Spree. Contest details at EcoMom.com

For more great potty training products, check out the Potty Party Shopping Guide!

Disclosure: http://cmp.ly/6/zapy2b

Filed Under: Reviews, Shopping Guides Tagged With: Affiliate, Eco Friendly, ecomom, Potty Training, Toddler

Kidz Wiz Padz Review and Giveaway

August 20, 2010 By Virginia

***Please Note–This Giveaway Has ENDED. ***

Please see Winners page for winning entrant information.

Anyone potty training a toddler knows this time proven fact…

Accidents Happen!

When we decided to switch from the all powerful super absorbent disposable diapers, that we were using, to training pants, I knew my laundry was about to pile up. While additional laundry is really not THAT big of a deal, I love to reduce the pile in any way I can. So, when I saw the Kidz Wiz Padz on Etsy, I contacted Sarah (the inventor and shop proprietor) to inquire about a review.

She was incredibly friendly and readily agreed.

About Kidz Wiz Padz…

KIDZ WIZ PADZ are a “must have item” for every parent going through potty training! If you are tired of washing your car seat after a baby’s leaky diaper or an accident from a toddler, then we have what you need! KIDZ WIZ PADZ are crazy absorbent and waterproof “pee pads,” to protect your car seat or stroller from the occasional accident during the potty training stage (or any other time, for that matter!).
More reasons you need one (or two!):
- Ours are the BEST! When the seat straps are fastened, the pad creates a “pocket” or “bowl shape” underneath your child, to keep the urine/liquid from leaking.
- Others have “holes” to feed the straps through. We have found those “holes” provide an area for urine to escape, which is why we use a “hole free design.”
- Great for everyday use: Just shake it out. No vacuuming!
- Crazy Absorbent!!!
- WATERPROOF
- Machine washer and dryer safe
- Does not interfere with seat belt straps (they’ll stay dry too!)
- Fits: Infant carriers, all car seats, strollers, high chairs, booster seats, shopping cart seats!
- Best of all, they easily insert and remove from seat, for easy cleaning. No need to remove the entire car seat, cover or straps, saving you lots of time and frustration!
All of our pads measure 13″ wide x 19″ high. All fabrics used have been pre-washed to avoid shrinkage.
Trademark on name and design, pending.

I was truly amazed at how quickly Sarah shipped my Padz. Talk about top-notch service. She even gift wrapped it!

After I snagged the above photos, to show you the stitching detail, I took it out to the van to see how it would look in Mister’s car seat. Since he is the one that is actively training (Sister thinks that anything Mister can do, she can do better, so she likes to sit on the potty, but I’m not pushing it with her), I thought we would use it with him.

Of course, Mister just had to follow me out to find out what I was doing. I explained to him that the pad was going to go in his car seat, so that if he had any accidents, it would keep his seat dry. He thought that was a pretty cool idea. He climbed up in his seat, and I snagged this picture…

Okay, fast forward two days. We were out running errands. We had been out for quite a while, and the kids had both had their juice cups while we were driving. When we got to the grocery store, I unfastened Mister’s seat belt and lifted him from the seat. At about which time, his not so super absorbent disposable training pant relaxed and dumped a large amount of urine out. Literally, it soaked his shorts and shoes. I ran my hand across the Kidz Wiz Padz. It had a small amount of moisture on it. I was a little panicked, honestly, with the amount of urine that came out of that trainer! But, when I lifted the padz, the car seat cover was COMPLETELY dry.

So, I am in love with the Kidz Wiz Padz. Sarah is my new BFF, and my laundry pile is thankful.

In all honesty, I love the Kidz Wiz Padz so much, that I just ordered two more. I want one for Sister’s car seat, and one to keep in the diaper bag for emergencies. I would definitely recommend Kidz Wiz Padz to anyone that has a potty training toddler in their care. I think it would make a great gift for new mom’s as well.

Sarah and Kidz Wiz Padz would like to offer one lucky Lady V dZine reader a Kidz Wiz Padz (randomly chosen) of their own. Feel free to heart the item while there.

Mandatory entry- Visit Kidz Wiz Padz on Etsy and comment back with your favorite pattern.

Bonus entries–

1 entry- Friend Kidz Wiz Padz on Facebook.
1 entry- Tell me who the Kidz Wiz Pad would be for if you win.
1 entry- Add Kidz Wiz Padz to your favorite Etsy Sellers list.
1 entry- Share your favorite Kidz Wiz Padz product on Facebook, Twitter, StumbleUpon, or Tumbler and comment back here with a link to your share.
1 entry- Follow me on GFC—right side bar, comment with your user name.
1 entry- Subscribe to Lady V dZine by RSS or email and comment back with the e-mail you signed up with (one each)
1 entry- Follow Lady V dZine on Twitter- comment with your user name
1 entry- Tweet this contest using @ladyvdzine and #kidzwizpadz- comment with your tweet status (up to 4x/day, at least 30 minutes apart)
- You may use “Potty Party Shopping Guide- Win a Kidz Wiz Padz @ladyvdzine #pottytraining http://bit.ly/ajq8Hp #win #kidzwizpadz“
1 entry- For each current giveaway that you enter- comment with name of giveaway
1 entry- For each non-giveaway post that you leave a RELEVANT comment on- comment back with post title or link to post
5 entries- blog this contest linking to this post and http://www.etsy.com/shop/KidzWizPadz- leave 5 comments here with a link to your post
10 entries- make a purchase from Kidz Wiz Padz- leave 10 comments here with your Transaction #. Purchases will be verified.

By the way, for a limited time only, you can get FREE SHIPPING when you purchase two Kidz Wiz Padz in the same order (U.S. and Canada only)

Have you entered my other current giveaways yet? You can earn extra entries into this contest by doing so!

Be sure to visit my Contest Rules and Bonus Entry Options for additional entry options.

The fine print…

FTC Compliant Disclosure- The marketing team for Kidz Wiz Padz graciously provided me with the aforementioned product(s) to facilitate my review. No other compensation was received. All opinions are 100% my own and are based upon my experience. Your experience may differ.

Disclosure: http://cmp.ly/2/fsascc

Filed Under: Miscellaneous Tagged With: Potty Training, Toddler